Every mama has to get her caffeine fix! Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom who needs a change of scenery, or you’re just looking for a fun place to grab a cup of joe with the youngsters in tow, there are plenty of coffee shops in San Diego that accommodate for kids (and make your life a little easier).
From shops that offer ‘kid corners’ and coloring stations, to vegan snacks and non-caffeinated sweet treats, these are the six best kid-friendly coffee shops in San Diego. ☕
1. Lazy Hummingbird
My personal favorite, this quaint coffee shop is located in Ocean Beach, nestled inside the OBBC (Ocean Beach Business Center). It’s tiny and filled with authentic vibes. There’s always some sort of live music, local art on the walls, and a printer/scanner/laminator in arm’s reach!
The OBBC also does a coloring station complete with crayons, pencils, and markers to keep the kiddos occupied. The offer a variety of vegan snacks, too.
Kid favorites: Almost Famous (mango, pineapple, strawberry, coconut milk & oj smoothie)
Location:
4876 Santa Monica Ave
San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 200-5016
Online: Website
2. Communal Coffee
This Instagram-worthy coffee spot is located in the heart of trendy North Park and offers a combination of drinks, snacks, flowers, and gifts in a place that’s not only conducive to working, but hanging with your kiddos, too.
The shop has an onsite flower store, Native Poppy, as well as events specifically for the youngsters! Communal Kids offers music, stories, dancing, snacks, and drinks. You can follow their page for more events at this location, or the other one in South Park!
Kid favorites: Iced Creamsicle
Location:
2335 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-363-7737
Online: Website
3. Copa Vida
This spot is perfect if you’re trying to be in the heart of the city. Copa Vida, in East Village, is located close to Petco Park which offers a kid’s play and picnic area! The shop is an open-concept design, so giant windows that open to the street and a variety of seating.
They serve hot and cold drinks as well as breakfast and brunch. There’s also the option for a self-serve bar if your kiddos start acting up and you need to order and dash!
Kid favorites: Apricot Escape (caffeine-free tea with apricot, pear and orange)
Location:
905 J. St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-501-7529
Online: Website
4. James Coffee Co.
James Coffee Co is nestled in the heart of Little Italy and shares a space with several other small shops. It has a large warehouse feel, making it spacious and open—perfect for your little (or big) ones to run wild.
The tables have cheese and checkers built in, which is great especially if you have older kids who you can distract with a game while you’re getting your caffeine fix. The shop also regularly hosts mom-themed ‘pop up’ events, so be on the lookout for those, too!
Kid favorites: Steamed milk with cinnamon.
Location:
2355 India Street
San Diego, CA, 92101
(619) 756-7770
Online: Website
5. Bean Bar
Another quaint and cozy East Village coffee shop, Bean Bar is great for kids just due to the location. Right across from the shop is the San Diego library where you can spend hours reading or hanging out in the kid-friendly section.
Plus, there’s validated, free 2-hour parking underneath the library which is a game-changer over searching for a parking spot by Bean Bar.
Kid favorites: Hot cocoa
Location:
1068 K St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(657) 223-3463
Online: Website
6. Caffe Vicino
This tiny coffee shop is located in Bay Park, right off of Clairemont Drive and the I-5. It has bright colors, lime chairs, art on the walls, and a kid’s corner in the back! The kids’ corner has dry erase, chalk, and letters and numbers to keep your little ones entertained.
The baristas also offer a wealth of kid-friendly smoothies, snacks and drinks. One of the recent smoothies is the ‘Kane Special’ named after elementary age ‘frequent flier’ who loves fruit!
Kid favorites: Girl Scout Cookie (minus the espresso!)
Location:
2615 Denver St
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 578-4301
Online: Facebook
Featured Image Credit: Michael Fenton